Maternal postpartum Group B Beta-hemolytic streptococcus ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection

Background: Women with cerebrospinal fluid shunts require special management during the course of pregnancy. Case report: We describe a case of delayed postpartum ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection by Group B streptococcus in a 19-year-old who presented complaining of headache and a fever. The CSF culture from the shunt tap and the distal shunt tip both grew Group B Beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Conclusion: Women who are colonized with Group B streptococcus and who have cerebrospinal fluid shunts should receive perinatal antibiotic prophylaxis, and may require more extended prophylactic antibiotics with cesarean section deliveries to prevent catheter tip colonization and subsequent shunt infection.